By NFFC

Forest were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Blackpool on Sunday, with the Tangerines forcing an Emirates FA Cup third round replay.

The Reds started the brighter of the two sides, with Morgan Gibbs-White curling an effort just off target following neat build-up play on 24 minutes.

But against the run of play, Blackpool broke the deadlock moments later when Jordan Gabriel found the back of the net with a diving header.

Then, two minutes later, the Tangerines doubled their lead when Albie Morgan converted CJ Hamilton’s cross in off the post for 2-1.

Forest looked to ignite a response before the break, and pulled a goal back when Gonzalo Montiel’s cross was headed home by Nico Domínguez on 39 minutes.

The Reds nearly found a leveller on the stroke of half-time when Gibbs-White played in Chris Wood who dragged his shot just wide of the far post inside the area.

HALF TIME: Forest 1-2 Blackpool

Nuno Tavares replaced Harry Toffolo at the break as Forest made a strong start to the second half, finding an equaliser just shy of the hour.

Callum Hudson-Odoi cut the ball back for Gibbs-White who arrowed an effort into the top corner for 2-2.

Forest pushed for a lead, with Ryan Yates’ close-range header from Danilo’s cross superbly kept out by Daniel Grimshaw with 20 minutes remaining.

Neco Williams replaced Yates in the final 10 minutes as Forest continued to push for a late winner, and into three minutes of added time, Hudson-Odoi’s low cross was inches away from finding Wood at the back post.

Forest were unable to find a late winner though, with the Tangerines forcing a replay to be played week commencing Monday 15th January.

FULL TIME: Forest 2-2 Blackpool